Finding Fluency in Chairmaking: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Teaching chairmaking is a unique experience that requires a deep understanding of the craft and its various components. It is not just about building a chair, but also about the joinery that holds it together. A recent article in Start Press discusses the author's experience teaching chairmaking and their journey to fluency in the craft.

I started teaching chairmaking one year ago, after assisting in a class taught by Christopher Schwarz. I had limited experience and knowledge of the craft, but I was determined to share my skills with others. I co-taught a 10-week class with a willing partner, and we built chairs in three-hour chunks on Monday nights. After a few weeks, one of the students commented that I sounded like Chris, which was a surprise to me. I had studied and memorized the steps to build a chair, but I didn't truly understand the language of chairmaking.

I had to cram for each class, as I wasn't fluent in chairmaking yet. I relied on my notes and memorized answers to student questions, even if they weren't based on personal experience. This approach worked, but it also made me realize that I needed to develop my skills further. I committed myself to building more chairs and learning from my mistakes. I challenged myself to build without referencing notes, relying on instinct and memory. This process helped me to develop my skills and confidence as a chairmaker.

When I returned to the LAP shop to co-teach a class with Christopher Schwarz, I was hit with doubts about my abilities. Would the students ask me questions or would they want to talk to Chris? Would I be able to teach in my own way, or would I feel like a bad bootleg? However, I was surprised to find that I had built the muscle memory and developed my own style. I didn't feel like a mimic anymore, but rather a part of a craft tradition.

The student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one student commenting that I and Chris made a great pair. This feedback was a testament to my growth as a chairmaker and my ability to teach in my own way. I realized that fluency in chairmaking is not just about building a chair, but also about developing the skills and confidence to teach others.

In conclusion, teaching chairmaking is a journey of self-discovery that requires patience, dedication, and practice. It is not just about building a chair, but also about developing the skills and confidence to teach others. By committing to building and learning, one can develop the fluency needed to teach chairmaking effectively.

## Building Without Notes

As I continued to build and teach, I found that I was able to rely less on my notes and more on instinct and memory. This approach allowed me to develop my skills and confidence as a chairmaker. I was able to build without referencing notes, relying on my own experience and knowledge of the craft.

## The Value of Mistakes

Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process, and they can be a valuable learning tool. By acknowledging and learning from my mistakes, I was able to develop my skills and confidence as a chairmaker. I realized that mistakes are not failures, but rather opportunities for growth and improvement.

## Teaching in My Own Way

When I co-taught a class with Christopher Schwarz, I was nervous about teaching in my own way. However, I was surprised to find that I was able to do so effectively. I didn't feel like a mimic anymore, but rather a part of a craft tradition. I realized that teaching in my own way was not only possible, but also valuable. It allowed me to bring my own personality and experience to the class, making it more engaging and enjoyable for the students.

## Student Feedback

The student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one student commenting that I and Chris made a great pair. This feedback was a testament to my growth as a chairmaker and my ability to teach in my own way. I realized that student feedback is an important tool for evaluating one's skills and confidence as a chairmaker. It allows one to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for growth and improvement.